The Choir switched their formal concert attire for jeans, black shirts, and akubra hats when they competed in the folklore section of the World Choir Games in Shaoxing this morning.

The Choir were up against nine other mostly Chinese choirs and the darker colours of their costumes were a stark contrast against the brilliantly coloured, shiny, and often lavish costumes preferred by the Chinese.

Nonetheless the razzle and dazzle of the Chinese choirs costumes quickly lost their lustre when the Chamber Choir strode onto the stage of the Shaoxing Grand Theatre- their performance of Black Swanna, Joyful the Morning, Brave Ned Kelly, and Waltzing Matilda (accompanied by Elliott on the Didgeridoo) awing the large audience.

After lunch the Choir were bussed to the Shaoxing Opera Theatre where they competed in the Mixed Choir Section of the Games. The Chamber Choir were among twelve choirs from China, Estonia, and Indonesia who were judged by an international jury of judges from Lithuania, USA, Russia, China and Australia.

Once again the University of Newcastle Chamber Choir stood out from the crowd – not because of what they wore (formal wear this time) but because of their vocal ability. The Choir’s renditions of Jubilate Deo, Geography 3, Ronde (Trois Chanson), and Bound for South Australia even caused the USA Judge (followed by the audience) to call out their approval and applaud as the Chamber Choir concluded their set.

Max Reeder, a former senior Lecturer in Music Education at Charles Sturt University and the former Director of the Mitchell Conservatorium said he thought that out of all the choirs in the Mixed Section the Estonian Choir posed the biggest threat. However he also added he thought the Chamber Choir had sung with a great sense of energy, confidence, and style in each of the songs that they had performed. “The consistency of their performance should put the Chamber Choir in a good position for a place if not a win”, Mr Reeder said.

The Choir has a small but devoted group of supporters on tour with them including Max Reeder whose wife Olga is a singer in the Choir. Two other Choir members also have their partners with them and yesterday Newcastle travel agent Kerryn Whittingham, and her partner Darren Whittingham, arrived from Shanghai to support the Choir while they are competing in the World Choir Games.

A special note to everyone who has sent their best wishes- a BIG THANK-YOU- the Choir loves to hear from you so don’t forget to write!

Todays photo’s were taken in the afternoon “Mixed Choir” section and includes some of our competitors.

More competitions tomorrow- more updates to follow soon…

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6 Responses to “Day 12 China: Day 1 World Choir Games”

Awesome news…so excited. How long before you know who has won. Do they do it at the end of eaxh section or do the announce it at the winners thing. Eagerley awaiting some more photos. Glad the didge went well…I hope you are going to record that one. Tobi was excited to see that you have spelt Elliott correctly…….ppl rarely spell it the right way. Say Hi to Elliott from me. Miss him very much Wish I could be there to support you too. Please post lots more photos. Bring home the Gold. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, OI, OI, Oi

The winners are announced on Monday- fingers crossed until then! I have passed on your messages to Elliott and we wish you could be here to support us as well. Maybe Cinicinatti 2012 ??? Also (as requested) more photos have just been posted:)

You have done Newcastle and Australia proud. Wish we could have been there to support and enjoy your performances. I loved the two Chinese songs you performed at your farewell concert before leaving for China. Good luck with todays performance.